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Research and focus into the overall health of women has dramatically evolved in recent years. With new therapeutic approaches developing for women, empower yourself by learning from others or empower others with your story. Join this group now! Your safety is important to us. Always seek medical advice from your own doctor before starting any wellness treatment and report any violations of our posting standards. Stay Informed. Stay Healthy.

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So many women diagnosed with endometriosis suffer in silence every day. Great news hearing that Strainprint has gotten the go-ahead to undertake a medical study on the effectiveness of cannabis as a treatment for the condition.

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[VIDEO] Stress Response and Hormones: A Doctor's Perspective on Cannabis and Women's Health

Are you feeling stressed? How is your body handling your stress hormones?

Seventy-three percent of all working adults between the ages of 20 to 64 reported some level of stress. So what makes someone more or less susceptible to the negative effects of stress? Watch this insightful video where Dr. Nasha Winters explains the role cannabis medicine can play, particularly on women’s health.

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How are you dealing with your post-surgical pain?

In the short time between January and March of 2018, there were at least 1,036 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada. Can cannabis be an effective alternative for treating post surgical pain? Hear Carrie's story to find out if using CBD as an alternative to opioids helped her manage her pain after a radical hysterectomy.

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The Top 4 Reasons Women Are Turning to Cannabis for PMS

According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, the average woman will have around 450 periods in her lifetime. For some women, that number can be a frightening prospect, because their time of the month can bring on daunting and undesirable physical and/or emotional symptoms.

Debilitating cramps, irritability, migraine headaches, bloating, and a myriad of other symptoms plague millions of women during the years of their reproductive cycles. Some even find themselves curled up in the fetal position for the first day or two of their periods, unable to function due to the pain.

Throughout history, cannabis has been used for many of it's medical properties, which includes it's use for inflammation, excess water build up, stress, anxiety, depression and pain. Dr. Julie Holland, a US-based psychiatrist states that cannabis may be particularly adept in the treatment of menstrual maladies with anecdotal reports galore from women using this natural plant alternative. From Queen Victoria's cannabis prescriptions to Whoopi Goldberg's new medical cannabis line, Whoopi & Maya, more and more women are combating PMS symptoms with cannabis.

1. Aches and Pains

In the week or so leading up to their period, some women experience swollen and tender breasts as well as body aches, specifically in their abdomen and lower back. Swollen and tender breasts can make wearing a bra or tight fitting clothing quite uncomfortable, and muscle aches and pains can leave some women bed-ridden.

While not yet proven by researchers, there are historical accounts of cannabis ointments being used to relieve monthly breast pain early as the 11th century. CBD, a cannabinoid present in medical cannabis, relaxes muscles, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an antioxidant without the psychoactive components of the cannabinoid THC, although both can help alleviate PMS symptoms. Speak to your doctor regarding common forms and dosages of CBD-containing medical solutions such as topical creams, edibles, tinctures, oils and even bath salts.

2. Menstrual Cramps

Severe menstrual cramps can literally stop a woman in her tracks, making it impossible to do anything but lie in the bed affecting her work, social activities and even family obligations and many women think there is little they can do to stop it. Various over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, a mix of contraceptives and/or other hormones are commonly used as treatment for PMS.

That being said, women also use natural remedies such as massages, heat pads and warm baths, and natural medical cannabis treatments are gaining popularity with more studies showing the powerful plant's medicinal effectiveness for pain reduction. Even women with endometriosis can find some relief from pain using cannabinoids found in cannabis, but it is essential to consult your physician for optimal methods and dosage.

Methods range from oral consumption of edibles and oils to transdermal patches and vaginal delivery. The latter is available in the form of a suppository or tampon and delivers the medicine directly to the pain point, without any psychoactive effects. Cannabis can also help relieve symptoms that follow cramping, which may include dizziness, nausea, digestive issues and bowel irritations.

3. Headache Relief

Hormonal changes, or more specifically, a drop in estrogen in the days before menstruation begins is often attributed to a throbbing migraine type headache.

According to researchers, four out of every ten women experience migraines and over half of them say they are associated with their menstrual cycle. Cannabis is the migraine headache treatment of choice for many of these women, as it has been for countless other headache sufferers.

In fact, according to study reported in Forbes, active cannabis compounds were more effective at reducing the number of migraine attacks than prescription medication and reduced migraine pain by 43.5%, all with fewer side effects. While both CBD and THC have shown positive effects on migraines, CBD products are considered less controversial and safer treatment options as they lack the psychoactive effects felt with THC.

4. Stress

Stress can cause agitation, tension and general feelings of uneasiness. It's most likely to strike in the two weeks leading up to the first day of a woman's period, worsening as the day gets closer.

Feeling on edge and anxious makes it difficult to function normally, and makes enjoying life nearly impossible. While medical cannabis use has been associated with relaxing the mind and body for some, others experience heightened paranoia and increased anxiety.

Elevated paranoia and anxiety is attributed to the amount of THC, which is known to trigger the area of the brain responsible for fear, as well as is most commonly associated with Sativa strains due to it's racy cerebral effects. Medical cannabis strains with low or even no THC and high CBD content are often perceived as calming anxiety relievers with highly beneficial medicinal properties.

A 2015 study in Neurotherapeutics revealed CBD's efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviours, which could be a promising treatment option for multiple anxiety disorders. Relaxing the mind and the body helps anxiety sufferers let the moment pass so they can move on in life without worry or fear.

Women have been using cannabis to treat their monthly menstrual symptoms throughout history. More recently with recreational legalization upcoming in Canada, more companies are producing medical cannabis alternatives for women who suffer from PMS symptoms. Considering the plant is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and mood enhancing abilities, this comes as no surprise.

Remember to always consult your doctor before beginning any type of wellness treatment.